Giving back with Irish dance - Carolan School and LauraLynn House

Irish dancers share smiles and competition proceeds with a good cause!
Photo: LauraLynn House

It is not often that one hears reports of such positive and helpful actions as that which the Carolan School of Irish Dancing in Dublin has done recently; they have proven that no matter one's age, one can find a way to help those in need.

This past February 26th, the Carolan School of Irish Dancing ran their annual feis, or Irish dancing competition, in the Clontarf Castle Hotel. For the past four years, all the proceeds from this event have gone to the LauraLynn House, a charity which aims to support families of seriously-ill children by putting “life into a child’s day, not days into a child’s life.”

In addition to the feis, Yvonne and Jennifer Carolan raised money through a monster raffle with more than 50 prizes. They managed to raise an amazing €5,000 for the charity, which is Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

Carolan School dancers hand over proceeds check to LauraLynn House.
Photo: LauraLynn House

Jane McKenna, founder of the LauraLynn House, gives heartfelt thanks to the Carolan School for the donation of time, effort, and money. She says the funds raised will give the “seriously ill children and their families… the respite and support which is so vital.”

The LauraLynn Children's Hospice Foundation was set up in 2001 after Jane and Brendan McKenna lost both their precious daughters, Laura and Lynn, in just two years. Similar to Ronald McDonald House in the United States - with significantly less resources, LauraLynn House relies on the kindness and generosity of friends like the Carolan School of Irish Dancing.

Are you an Irish dancer with an inspiring story to share? Does your Irish dance school raise money for a good cause, participate in walk-a-thons or other charitable events? Share your story with us so we can spread the word to others!

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